Travel Pt: What You Need To Know

What to Know About Travel PT

Introduction

Travel PT is an exciting career path for physical therapists looking to explore new places, meet new people, and gain experience in different settings. It offers the flexibility to work in various locations across the country, providing physical therapy services to those in need.

Before embarking on this journey, there are several key aspects to consider, including personal goals, resume preparation, licensing and credentialing requirements, tax guidelines, and the role of recruiters. This introduction will provide an overview of these essential topics, serving as a guide for aspiring travel PTs.

Setting Goals and Understanding Priorities

The first step towards becoming a travel PT is evaluating your personal goals and priorities. Ask yourself if you are prepared for the travel lifestyle, which includes frequent relocations, potential roommates, and varied work settings. It is also important to consider the impact on your personal life, including family and pets. Being adaptable and open to change is crucial for success in this career.

Resume Preparation

Crafting a compelling resume is vital for standing out among other candidates. Ensure your resume is up-to-date, highlighting your relevant work experience, educational background, state licensures, and advanced certifications. Tailor your resume to the specific PT specialty you are applying for, showcasing your expertise in that area. Be meticulous with grammar and formatting, and include references to make a strong impression.

Licensing and Credentialing Requirements

All travel PTs must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtain licenses for each state they practice in. This involves reviewing state-specific guidelines, taking jurisprudence exams, and fulfilling additional requirements such as fingerprint clearance and training hours. Understanding these requirements beforehand will streamline the process.

Tax Guidelines

Travel PTs enjoy tax-free stipends, but it is crucial to maintain proper records. Establishing a tax home, where you work for 30 days a year and pay rent at fair market value, can help navigate tax complexities and avoid multiple state income taxes. Consulting an accountant or utilizing travel tax services is recommended for compliance.

Working with Recruiters

Recruiters play a vital role in connecting travel PTs with job opportunities. They can provide insights, assist with licensing and credentialing, and negotiate on your behalf. When choosing a recruiter, seek recommendations from veteran travel PTs, conduct your own research, and attend industry conferences. Ensure you understand their fees and contract terms to make an informed decision.

In conclusion, becoming a travel PT offers a unique blend of career growth, exploration, and flexibility. By setting clear goals, preparing your resume, understanding licensing and tax requirements, and partnering with the right recruiter, you can embark on this journey with confidence and excitement.

The pros and cons of being a travel PT

The pros of being a travel PT:

• Higher pay: Travel PTs can make upwards of $100,000 per year. Travel therapists typically earn more than permanent staff, in large part because of tax-free money options.
• Flexibility: Travel PTs rarely have set schedules. They can also take extended time off between contracts.
• Adventure: Travel PTs get to explore the country as they work, so it's a good opportunity for people who want to travel while they work.
• Variety: Travel PTs can work in multiple different settings and learn from new patient populations and peers on each assignment.
• Independence: Travel PTs get to avoid the stagnancy of working in a job for a long time and office drama.

The cons of being a travel PT:

• Unpredictability: Contracts can get canceled, and the travel lifestyle can be unpredictable.
• Loneliness: It can be lonely and isolating if you’re traveling solo.
• Logistics: Finding short-term housing can be tough, and jobs may require high productivity or patient caseloads.
• Lack of specialization: Jobs are more generalized and it’s hard to specialize or find jobs in specialty areas.
• No paid time off: Travel PTs only receive benefits while they’re working.

How to become a travel PT

To become a travel physical therapist, you need to follow a few key steps. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you get started on your journey:

Step 1: Earn a Physical Therapy Degree

The first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree in a field related to physical therapy, such as health sciences, exercise, or sports. This will provide you with the necessary foundation and prerequisites for graduate studies in physical therapy.

Step 2: Pursue a Graduate Degree

The next step is to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This graduate program will provide you with advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in subjects such as pathophysiology, biomechanics, simulations, and on-site rotations.

Step 3: Educate Yourself About Travel PT

Start researching the travel PT industry and how it works. Understand the specific requirements and challenges of being a travel PT, such as taxation, licensing, and desired locations. Connect with other travel physical therapists to gain first-hand insights.

Step 4: Pass the NPTE and Obtain Licenses

Once you have decided on your preferred locations, you will need to take the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and obtain the necessary licenses to practice in those states. Be sure to check the specific requirements for each state, as they may vary.

Step 5: Work with a Travel PT Recruiter

Consider working with a travel PT recruiter or agency. These professionals can help you find suitable job opportunities and guide you through the process. Look for recruiters who prioritize your needs and communicate effectively.

Step 6: Gain Work Experience (Optional)

Before embarking on your travel PT journey, you may consider gaining some work experience as a traditional physical therapist. This can provide you with mentorship and a more structured environment to develop your skills before venturing into travel PT.

Pros and Cons of Being a Travel PT:

Becoming a travel PT has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

• Adventure and Flexibility: As a travel PT, you'll get to explore new places and experience different work environments, achieving a better work-life balance.
• Higher Pay: Travel PTs often earn more due to higher demand in certain areas and tax-free money options.
• Clinical and Soft Skill Growth: By working in various settings, you'll enhance your clinical skills and develop valuable soft skills, such as adaptability.

Cons:

• No Paid Time Off: Travel PTs typically don't accrue paid time off, so planning for time off requires financial preparation.
• Short-Term Housing Challenges: Finding affordable and suitable short-term housing can be difficult and may impact your earnings.
• Contract Cancellations: Contracts may be cancelled unexpectedly, and you'll need to navigate the challenges of constant change.
• Health Insurance Gaps: Navigating health insurance across different contracts and states can be complicated, and you may experience coverage gaps.
• Higher Costs: Travel PTs often incur additional costs, such as moving expenses and transportation, which can offset financial gains.
• Loneliness: Constant travel can make it challenging to develop and maintain stable relationships.

Becoming a travel PT offers an exciting and rewarding career path with opportunities for personal and professional growth. By following the steps outlined above, you can embark on your journey towards becoming a successful travel physical therapist.

The realities of being a travel PT

The pros

Travel PTs can make a lot of money. The average salary is $105,516 per year, and they can make more than that depending on where they travel and the types of settings they work in. This is because there is a greater need for PTs in some areas, and strong demand means you can command a higher rate for your work. Travel PTs can also save money by taking advantage of tax-free money options.

Travel PTs have flexibility and freedom. They rarely have set schedules and can take extended time off between contracts. They can work when they want, where they want, and for whom they want.

Travel PTs get to explore the country and see new places. They can live like locals, attending local festivals and discovering hidden gems that only locals know about.

Travel PTs can build a wide range of clinical and non-clinical skills. They will constantly be learning about new clinical systems, meeting new people, and discovering what they like and don't like. They will be challenged and will develop their adaptability, flexibility, and independence.

The cons

Finding short-term housing can be tough and there may be issues with internet scammers. Contracts can get canceled, and there may be health insurance gaps.

Travel PTs will have to "hit the ground running" and be clinically competent right away. There might be less training and mentorship in a travel position compared to a permanent position.

Travel PTs will have to constantly switch jobs and learn new routines and electronic medical records. They may have to work with high productivity or patient caseloads and it can be lonely if they are traveling solo.

Travel PTs need to be able to handle the logistics of moving to a new place, such as finding a new gym, getting all their vaccinations, and getting a drug test.

Travel PTs need a separate license to work in each state, which can be expensive and time-consuming to maintain.

So, there you have it! The realities of being a travel PT. It's a challenging but rewarding career path that offers a lot of flexibility and the opportunity to explore new places.

How to find travel PT jobs

Finding travel PT jobs is made easier by several online platforms that act as job boards, advertising the latest opportunities. These sites also offer additional resources, such as recruiter reviews, FAQs, and blogs, to help you make informed decisions about your travel PT career.

Online Job Boards

Websites like AmericanTraveler.com, AlliedTravelCareers.com, MedTravelers.com, AMNHealthcare.com, and Vivian.com are great places to start your search for travel PT jobs. These sites provide detailed job descriptions, information on salaries and benefits, and even offer application submission options.

Job Requirements

Before applying for travel PT positions, it is essential to understand the job requirements and responsibilities. Travel PTs are responsible for observing, diagnosing, and treating patients with physical disabilities or problems resulting from injuries or illnesses. They formulate treatment plans, often based on patient medical history, and may involve family members or advocates in the patient's care. Additionally, travel PTs monitor patient progress, prepare discharge plans, and educate patients and their families on at-home techniques to facilitate recovery.

Salaries and Benefits

Travel PT jobs are known for offering competitive salaries, often higher than the therapy US average. For example, the average salary for a Physical Therapist is $2,102 per week, according to Vivian.com. Travel PT positions also come with attractive benefits packages, including day-one benefits like medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as retirement plans and travel expense reimbursements.

Destinations

When considering travel PT jobs, you have the flexibility to choose your desired location. Popular destinations include California, Massachusetts, Maryland, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Oregon, each offering its unique attractions, from stunning beaches and mountain ranges to vibrant cities and historical settings.

Agencies

When searching for travel PT jobs, it is worth considering the agencies with the most job listings. As of June 21, 2024, the top agencies on Vivian.com with the most Travel Physical Therapist jobs are Core Medical Group, Jackson Therapy Partners, and Host Healthcare.

By utilizing these online resources and considering the job requirements, salaries, benefits, and destinations, you can effectively find and secure your dream travel PT job.

The financial side of travel PT

The financial incentives of travel PT roles are a significant draw for many considering the career path. Travel PTs can expect to make a bit more money than they would in a traditional physical therapy job. This can range from 50% to 100% more, depending on the location.

Salary and Benefits

Travel PTs receive comprehensive benefits in addition to high travel pay. These benefits can include health, life, dental, and vision insurance, licensure reimbursements, travel reimbursements, and housing allowances.

Housing Stipends

One of the most important considerations for travel PTs is housing. Travel PTs typically receive a housing stipend from their agency to cover the costs of short-term housing for each assignment. The amount of the stipend varies and may not always cover the real costs of living in a given area, so it is important to research housing options before accepting an assignment.

Tax Advantages

Travel PTs may also be able to take advantage of tax advantages, such as the Tax Advantage Plan, which allows qualifying travelers to keep more of their income, increasing take-home pay by up to 15%. Additionally, a portion of a travel PT's pay may be in the form of a tax-free travel stipend, which can further increase their take-home pay.

Drawbacks

While the financial incentives of travel PT roles can be significant, there are also some potential drawbacks. The constant uprooting and nomadic lifestyle can be challenging, especially for those with families or other responsibilities that tie them to a particular location. Additionally, finding housing that is both short-term and affordable can be difficult, and there may be times when an assignment does not provide desirable or flexible locations.

Overall, the financial side of travel PT can be quite advantageous, offering higher salaries, comprehensive benefits, and tax advantages. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential drawbacks and ensure that you are comfortable with the nomadic lifestyle before pursuing a career as a travel PT.

Frequently asked questions